UNHIDE Agroforestry - A Knowledge Exchange Latvia- Sweden 2023-25 - Report - Page 9
Sweet chestnut tree (Castanea sativa)
Initially, the intention of the emergency garden
was to build resilience through a combination of
high-quality timber production and biodiversity,
offering habitat and ecological connectivity within
the open agricultural landscape. The composition
consists of 60% native tree species and 40% fruit
and nut trees.
Walnuts (Juglans nigra), sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa), sweet cherries (Prunus avium), and
wild service trees (Sorbus torminalis)—an ancient
woodland indicator providing pollen and nectar
for insects, berries for birds, and leaves for moth
caterpillars—were planted relatively sparsely to
allow ample room for growth.
The lessons Tor learned about
the importance of biodiversity for
resilience in livelihood production
systems—and about independence
at all levels—are equally relevant in
a Swedish context.
Over time, the focus shifted from timber production towards food security. At the time of establishment, the land—previously used as pasture—
was overgrown with grey alder (Alnus incana). Tor
began by cutting it down and reintroducing alder
in a more structured way for nitrogen fixation.
At the time, nut seeds were difficult to obtain in
Sweden. Some were sourced from friends; others
Tor collected during his morning and evening
walks in central Stockholm, he recalls. He also
purchased grafted walnut trees from Denmark.
Four to five hectares were planted in groups combining hazelnut, sweet chestnut, and cherry trees,
